Governor McMaster issues Statewide State of Emergency

Brian Scott Luke, Reporting: (XMSY.FM) Columbia, SC:

COLUMBIA, S.C. – September 27, 2025 – As Tropical Disturbance 94L gathers strength and charts a course toward the U.S. coast, South Carolina is taking decisive action. Governor Henry McMaster has issued Executive Order 2025-33, declaring a statewide State of Emergency to mobilize resources and urge residents to prepare for potentially severe weather impacts.

This declaration is a critical proactive measure, not a cause for panic. It allows state agencies to coordinate effectively and ensures that South Carolina is ready to respond. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the official announcement and offers comprehensive steps you can take to protect yourself, your family, and your property.

Governor Declares State of Emergency as 94L Approaches
The governor’s order activates the South Carolina Emergency Operations Plan, a framework that directs the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) to begin statewide coordination with local, state, and federal partners, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This move also makes state and local agencies eligible for federal reimbursement for storm-related expenses, a crucial step for funding response and recovery efforts.

“As this storm approaches our coast, I am issuing a State of Emergency to ensure Team South Carolina is able to access and deploy the resources and personnel needed to prepare for and respond to this storm,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “While the storm’s arrival, speed, and intensity remain hard to predict, we do know that it will bring significant wind, heavy rainfall, and flooding across the ENTIRE state of South Carolina. We have seen this before. Now is the time to start paying attention to forecasts, updates, and alerts from official sources and begin making preparations.”

According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Tropical Disturbance 94L, currently located near Hispaniola and eastern Cuba, is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm over the weekend. While its exact track remains uncertain, the potential for significant impact on South Carolina is high.

Understanding the Threat: What to Expect from 94L
A tropical system brings multiple hazards. It’s vital to understand each one, as impacts can be felt far from the storm’s center and well inland.

High Winds and Tornadoes
As the storm strengthens, its winds will pose a significant threat. Hurricane-force winds can cause widespread damage to buildings, topple trees, and down power lines, leading to extended power outages. Additionally, landfalling tropical systems often spawn short-lived but dangerous tornadoes, which can form with little warning.

Heavy Rainfall and Inland Flooding
One of the most underestimated dangers of a tropical system is inland flooding. The governor’s warning that the entire state could see effects is primarily due to this risk. Slow-moving storms can dump dozens of inches of rain, overwhelming drainage systems and causing rivers to crest. Flash flooding can turn streets into rivers in minutes, making travel deadly. Residents in low-lying areas or near rivers and streams should be especially vigilant.

Storm Surge and Coastal Dangers
For coastal communities, storm surge is the greatest threat to life and property. This is the abnormal rise of water generated by a storm, over and above the predicted astronomical tides. A powerful storm can push a wall of water several miles inland, inundating homes and destroying infrastructure. Even before the storm’s arrival, dangerous rip currents and high surf will make coastal waters hazardous.

Your Essential Hurricane Preparedness Checklist
Now is the time to act. Use this checklist to ensure you are fully prepared for the storm’s potential arrival.

Step 1: Create and Review Your Emergency Plan
Know Your Zone: If you live in a coastal area, know your evacuation zone. SCEMD provides maps to help you determine if you are in a mandatory evacuation area.
Plan Your Route: Identify several evacuation routes in case one is blocked. Plan your destination, whether it’s a friend’s home inland, a hotel, or a public shelter.
Communication Plan: Designate a single out-of-state friend or relative as a central point of contact for your family. It’s often easier to make long-distance calls than local ones during a disaster.
Shelter Plan: If you are not in an evacuation zone, decide where you will shelter in place. This should be an interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows and doors.

Step 2: Build Your “Go-Kit” and “Stay-Kit”
Prepare two kits: a portable “Go-Kit” for evacuations and a more comprehensive “Stay-Kit” for sheltering at home for several days without power or water.

Water and Food: Stock at least one gallon of water per person per day for a minimum of five to seven days. Have a similar supply of non-perishable food that requires no cooking, along with a manual can opener.
Light and Communication: Gather flashlights, a battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA Weather Radio, and plenty of extra batteries. Keep portable power banks fully charged to power your cell phone.
Health and Sanitation: A first-aid kit is essential. Stock a two-week supply of any prescription medications. Include hygiene items like soap, toothbrushes, wet wipes, and garbage bags.
Important Documents: Place copies of your driver’s license, social security card, insurance policies, deeds, and birth certificates in a waterproof bag. Also, consider saving digital copies to a secure cloud service.

Special Needs: Don’t forget items for infants (diapers, formula), pets (food, water, carrier, leash, vaccination records), and elderly family members.

Step 3: Prepare Your Home and Property
Secure Outdoor Items: Bring in anything that can be picked up by the wind, such as patio furniture, grills, trash cans, and garden decor.
Protect Openings: Install hurricane shutters or cover windows with pre-cut 5/8″ plywood. Secure all doors.

Clear Gutters: Clean gutters and downspouts to ensure rainwater can drain properly and prevent water damage.

Check Insurance: Review your homeowner’s insurance policy to understand your coverage. Note that standard policies do not cover flooding; that requires a separate policy.

Staying Informed and Connected
Accurate information is your most powerful tool. Rely on official sources and avoid rumors on social media.

Official Information Channels
National Hurricane Center (NHC): The definitive source for storm tracks, intensity forecasts, and warnings. Visit nhc.noaa.gov.
SC Emergency Management Division (SCEMD): For state-specific announcements, evacuation orders, and shelter information. Visit scemd.org.

Local News and Emergency Management: Follow your local TV/radio stations and your county’s emergency management agency social media pages for localized updates.

Leveraging Technology for Safety
Download the S.C. Emergency Manager app for real-time alerts and preparedness guides.

Conserve Battery: Put your phone on low-power mode. Avoid streaming video or playing games.

Text, Don’t Call: Text messages use less network bandwidth and are more likely to get through when cell towers are congested.
Charting the Storm: Hurricane Categories and Potential Impact
Forecasters use the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale to classify storms based on their sustained wind speed. This scale helps estimate potential property damage. While wind is just one aspect of a storm, understanding these categories is crucial for appreciating its power.

Official Resources and Next Steps
The state of South Carolina provides excellent resources to help you prepare. Take advantage of them today.

The official 2025 S.C. Hurricane Guide is your go-to reference for all aspects of preparedness. It is available in English and Spanish at scemd.org.

For an interactive tool to help you create a plan, visit hurricane.sc.
The declaration of a State of Emergency is a signal to prepare, not to panic. By taking these steps now, you can ensure the safety of your loved ones and minimize the impact of the approaching storm. Stay informed, stay safe, and be prepared.

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